True that. I was assuming that people wouldn't be so foolish as to test in 2 different areas. Truth is you probably weren't running around your work, home, street taking DB strengths before the update so you'll get one or two afters. My wife's phone is yet to be done. I'll post those when I have em...come to think of it I can do a side-by-side comparison of signal strength between our two phones!
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
BEFORE UPDATING!! Post your true signal strength before/after (READ 1ST POST!)
- Thread starter Geckotek
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I guess we've already proven that the increase in bars does not correlate with the signal measurement in db.
I still want to see if there is any increase in signal.....but it's looking like that won't be the case.
So far it's looking like this is primarly a cosmetic change. I'm doubting it will fix my dropped calls.
I still want to see if there is any increase in signal.....but it's looking like that won't be the case.
So far it's looking like this is primarly a cosmetic change. I'm doubting it will fix my dropped calls.
No, Apple assumed you could read what's in the release notes:
Apple said:
They were quite plain that they were recalibrating the bar meter and said nothing about any actual change in signal strength.
Unfortunately I got to this post too late but I have 5 bars at my desk now where I used to have ~1-2. Signal ranges from -89 to -105 depending on where I hold the iPhone.
Clearly the signal has not changed however based on ~5 minutes of testing (not very rigorous I know) actual 3G data throughput seems to be improved for the same signal level so there may yet be truth to Apples statements.
More testing is required.
Clearly the signal has not changed however based on ~5 minutes of testing (not very rigorous I know) actual 3G data throughput seems to be improved for the same signal level so there may yet be truth to Apples statements.
More testing is required.
Or perhaps Apple assumed you could understand Steve when he said "FEWER DROPPED CALLS."
Based on my experience of wireless, recalibrating the signal meter does not have anything to do with fewer dropped calls. So there probably has to be some sort of improvement that might improve signal to be able to answer Steve's "fewer dropped calls" promise.
The sole purpose of showing amount of bars is to reflect service strength, which correlates to phone connection. If service strength is not improved, but the amount of bar is added, then what exactly is the point? So yes, I can read and I still stand by my comment that Apple thinks we're fools.
Is this what AT&T meant by more bars in more places after dropping the slogan "fewest dropped calls"?
I just tested two phones next to each other one updated to 2.1 and the other not.
They showed pretty much identical readings.
EDIT: These were both 3G's, the only difference is one was a 16gb and one was an 8.
They showed pretty much identical readings.
EDIT: These were both 3G's, the only difference is one was a 16gb and one was an 8.
Pre 2.1 I had almost no bars in my apt. Now I have 4-5 bars. Now with 2.1 my GF just called me here in my apt., but the phone didn't even ring. I didn't even get a missed call alert. She texted me to tell me she called.
Cosmetic indeed. They really do think we're stupid.
Cosmetic indeed. They really do think we're stupid.
THEN FOLKS, why are we buying the product?
I do not have one, but was researching that I will in a few months. I was in Apple Store Genius Bar with my MBP for issues. Lady behind me was very upset that such a product touted to be so good was gone bad b/c a little moisture got inside behind the glass (said condensations in the air) and now is no good!!! What say Apple people and iPhone lovers?
Next thing, in the same mall in southern New Hampshire at the AT&T store I am told that YES signal service IS not good in my area of the state!
BUT at the Apple Store Genius Bar another man was super happy with is Verizon Voyager, for email and web access; I am currently with Verizon and an older phone - no web or email. What to do???????
Unless of course the dropped calls were due to a firmware bug that had nothing to do with signal strength.
You keep dangling the bait, but no one will bite. Try the Windows forums in the next aisle.
LOL ... I used to get a consistent 1-2 bar 3G signal in my house. Now they "fixed" it and I get no more 3G just a full strength EDGE signal.
Unless of course the dropped calls were due to a firmware bug that had nothing to do with signal strength.
True Story:
A few years back - my company had just switched to using the Treo 700w ( yes a windows phone - but hear me out..
) with Sprint with the anticipation of Sprint to update/upgrade their network to 3G within the next month. I was one of the lucky ones in my company to receive one of the first batch of 700w's. Happily - I switched out phones - got on the network and....
Nothing. Well - sort of nothing. The 3G connectivity was sketchy and constantly swapping between the 3G and Sprint's "older" network - can't remember what it was (maybe Edge as well?). I'd get dropped calls during driving, etc. Network performance was ok - however - even sitting in the same spot and not moving, watching the bars at the top - it would constantly switch between 3G/"edge". Battery life was abysmal - compared to the Treo 700p's that we had been using before. We even tried swapping phones for new ones to see if that resolved the issue..
So - we reported this to our rep - she stated that there was an "update" coming out in the next month or two. So we continued using the phones, waiting on the update. Looking around on the 'net on the forums at the time proved to indicate that we weren't the only ones experiencing the issue. However - it was noted that some users had no issues at all.
After about 2-3 months - the forums that I had been monitoring indicated that there was a new update/firmware for the 700w that should help out with the issues.. We checked with our rep and installed it - and overall - that appeared to help. However after a few days - still same issues (3G Swapping/Battery/call issues)... Which was strange as, according to the rep, there was a Sprint 3G tower very near where I lived and I should be getting a consistent/strong signal all the time.
We checked with our rep - and she had a forced refresh from Sprint to the phones issued.. From my "general" understanding - this was a master "list" of cell towers (or preferences -can't remember) that the phone keeps in it's memory, etc., to determine which signal to use for which tower, etc.
Immediately - the 3G signal was just "solid" - like night/day. Battery life was *much* improved going forward (the network swapping is what was actually killing the battery). Downloads were rock-solid, etc. Our exchange push email (new at the time) started working like a charm.
Now - this past week - I had just purchased an iPhone versus a Black Berry - primarily due to the fact that I wanted additional functionality that the Black Berry couldn't provide. It was somewhat of a hard decision, as I had heard about the the dropout issues, etc. When getting the iPhone home the first day - I was disappointed to see that I was experiencing the same reported issues - especially of note was the constant swapping of Edge/3G on my phone (my experience would be - it would connect to 3G - be fine for approximately 1-3 minutes - then you'd see it swap to Edge and/or no service).
Since I had experienced this before with the 700w - I figured I'd take a wait and see approach with the upcoming release. After installing the release - I've had the same experience as everyone else - much improved network connectivity (no swapping so far) - no dropped calls since the upgrade - and improved battery life.
Time will tell ( I still have about 20 days to see how it goes and am hoping this is the last of the issues..
)...My thoughts here are - network-wise - the iPhone was experiencing the same issues/problems as the 700w. To the point above - I wouldn't call it a firmware bug - but more or less a configuration issue... and I don't believe it was ever an issue regarding signal strength due to other forum discussions and the fact that between the 2 networks - I had a solid signal - the phone just couldn't decide which network to stay on..
One other thing - it was later noted by our rep (much, much, later in an "hey you remember this issue?" conversation) - that the initial batch of phones/network was in a "test mode" of sorts at the time 3G was turned on - I also think that's the case here as well ( considering the 3G iPhone was only released about 2 months ago )
End of Story...
This thread is ridiculous.
We have a bunch of iphone users, who know absolutely nothing about the inner workings of At&t's cell network and the technology that the iphone uses to judge the signal strength and frequencies.
Stop trying to play detective, and stop complaining.
From what i've heard from people who have upgraded, it all depends on your area. Some people say they were never able to get signal at home, and now they can. Others say they have the same results, but the bars show up different.
So what!? Apple chose to indicate low signal, in a different manner.... and some users are able to find signal where they previously could not.
The end.
We have a bunch of iphone users, who know absolutely nothing about the inner workings of At&t's cell network and the technology that the iphone uses to judge the signal strength and frequencies.
Stop trying to play detective, and stop complaining.
From what i've heard from people who have upgraded, it all depends on your area. Some people say they were never able to get signal at home, and now they can. Others say they have the same results, but the bars show up different.
So what!? Apple chose to indicate low signal, in a different manner.... and some users are able to find signal where they previously could not.
The end.
Wow. Is Apple really pulling a fast one on us? Same signal strength, but more bars with 2.1
How can you call it a "fast one" when they stated so in their update:
No where in the update did it say they updated the strength itself.
i think we have already established that Apple said nothing about upgrading the service, which still doesn't deny the fact that Apple thinks we're fools.
Again, there's no purpose to show more signal bars if the signal doesn't improve, other than to make the general public think the signal is better than it is.
Both tests done in my room.
2.0.1 - 3G 1 Bar....would switch on/off with Edge.
2.1 - 3G - 2 - 4 Bars....still switches on/off with Edge.
I can't comment on signal strength exactly, but I have def noticed I get more bars in more places (pun intended)....however I do not think anything has been improved, other than the phone telling me I have more bars.
Another thing to point out, which most people fail to realize, is it's important to do a side by side comparison with OTHER 3G phones. If my iPhone 3G has 4 bars and my friend's Nokia 3G has 2 (assuming both have the same RF numbers as well), then Apple is pulling a quick one on their customers. Maybe the iPhone didn't show enough bars in 2.0.x. Just because signal strength didn't go up, doesn't mean they are trying to dupe us. Maybe other comparable phones show the same amount of bars as the iPhone 3G.
Overall, I love 2.1. GREAT update. If you don't have good 3G coverage, use EDGE. If you're pissed your paying for 3G and it sucks...that's your fault. Any customer who researched the 3G network before buying an iPhone knows that it is not the greatest network. It's a few years behind EDGE. Give it some time. If you can't deal, then don't buy. I wasn't expecting amazing 3G coverage and neither should you.
2.0.1 - 3G 1 Bar....would switch on/off with Edge.
2.1 - 3G - 2 - 4 Bars....still switches on/off with Edge.
I can't comment on signal strength exactly, but I have def noticed I get more bars in more places (pun intended)....however I do not think anything has been improved, other than the phone telling me I have more bars.
Another thing to point out, which most people fail to realize, is it's important to do a side by side comparison with OTHER 3G phones. If my iPhone 3G has 4 bars and my friend's Nokia 3G has 2 (assuming both have the same RF numbers as well), then Apple is pulling a quick one on their customers. Maybe the iPhone didn't show enough bars in 2.0.x. Just because signal strength didn't go up, doesn't mean they are trying to dupe us. Maybe other comparable phones show the same amount of bars as the iPhone 3G.
Overall, I love 2.1. GREAT update. If you don't have good 3G coverage, use EDGE. If you're pissed your paying for 3G and it sucks...that's your fault. Any customer who researched the 3G network before buying an iPhone knows that it is not the greatest network. It's a few years behind EDGE. Give it some time. If you can't deal, then don't buy. I wasn't expecting amazing 3G coverage and neither should you.
LOL ... I used to get a consistent 1-2 bar 3G signal in my house. Now they "fixed" it and I get no more 3G just a full strength EDGE signal.
same with me.. except i had 2-4 3g bars in my room.. and now just full edge..